FREE Printable Advent Calendar Templates

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts

Hi Friends,

As a child, one of my favorite ways to count down the 25 days leading up to Christmas was to make a construction paper chain-link advent “calendar.” Each day I’d (impatiently) tear off a chain until 24 green-and-red strips of paper lay in the floor, letting me know it was time for Santa’s arrival. If you want to keep it ultra-simple this year with construction paper and glue, then more power to you (I always loved ripping off those paper links). But we have two chic and creative advent calendar ideas — one modern and one traditional — that are sure to make this holiday season memorable for the entire family.

We often picture an advent calendar strung up the banister or across the mantel. But, what about as a centerpiece? Jessica Wilcox of Modern Moments Designs covered sweetly wrapped gifts, ribbons and ornaments with a vintage chicken-wire cloche dome and attached printable Christmas tags to represent the 25-day countdown. Each day, let the kids remove a tag from the dome and open a gift. With each tag removed, simply replace with the next consecutive number. The interactive display will make dinnertime even more exciting during the holidays.

Download and Print Christmas Countdown Tags in Blue, Pink, Green and Teal

Traditional:

For those who love traditional charm and vintage style, we have the perfect advent calendar that looks especially lovely wrapped around the Christmas tree or up the banister. To create this holiday countdown keepsake, print 24 different, antique-inspired images onto fused linen and freezer paper and paint a number onto the bottom corner of each to represent the days of Christmas. Sew pockets into each image to hold treats and surprises for each day, and then tie each pocket together to create a long banner. Get the full how-to for the Vintage Garland Advent Calendar below:

How to Make a Vintage Garland Advent Calendar

Linen, ribbon and vintage printables come together in this advent calendar, which is sure to become a family tradition.

Materials Needed:
1 1/2 yards cream linen
all-purpose coordinating thread
sharp scissors
rotary cutter and mat (optional)
freezer paper
iron
ruler
pencil
computer and printer
photo editing software
sewing machine
graphics or pictures
10 yards grosgrain ribbon
no-fray glue
acrylic paint
1.0 artist liner brush

Cut Linen
Using a piece of standard printer paper as a template, cut out 13 pieces of linen and 13 pieces of freezer paper. Tip: Freezer paper must be used for this project, not wax or parchment paper.

Iron Fabric and Paper
Place one piece of linen face down on ironing board. Put the plastic coating of the freezer paper face down onto linen. Press paper onto fabric using an iron set on high until they are fused. Trim any overhanging freezer paper or fabric, if necessary. Repeat with 12 other pieces of linen and paper.

Edit and Print Graphics
Save 25 different vintage holiday graphics as jpg files. Make sure photos are either all vertical or all horizontal. Use photo editing software to crop all graphics to 3-1/2" x 5". Print each graphic on one page set at 3-1/2" x 5". Place fused linen and freezer paper into an ink jet printer oriented so the graphic will print on the fabric side. The image should be printed on the top left corner. Flip the fabric to print a second image on the bottom right corner. Note: All graphics used in this project are available for free at www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com.

Cut Pockets
Using scissors or a rotary cutter, cut each piece of linen into four equal parts (4-1/4" x 5-1/2"). Trim pieces to center graphics, leaving at least a 1/4-inch border. Pair the printed pieces of linen with blank pieces of linen.

Paint Numbers
Mix equal parts red and burnt umber acrylic craft paint. Use a 1.0 liner brush to paint numbers 1-25 in the corner of each pocket. Allow paint to dry. Tip: Sketch numbers lightly with a pencil prior to painting.

Glue Raw Edge
Apply no-fray glue to the top edge of each pocket. Fold down the freezer paper to act as a stand as the glue dries. Tip: Some no-fray glues can cause ink to run. To prevent this, pour glue onto a paper plate and dip very top edge of each pocket into the glue for a more controlled application.

Sew Pockets
Separate the freezer paper from the linen. Assemble pockets with right sides facing out. Cut 50 lengths of grosgrain ribbon to approximately eight inches each. Insert ribbon between two pieces of linen in the upper right corner. Sew along the graphic, ensuring ribbon is sewn into the pocket as well. Rotate the pocket and sew the bottom. Rotate again and sew up the left side. Insert ribbon at the upper left corner and finish sewing the pocket.

Fray and Trim Pockets
Gently pull threads from pocket edges to create a frayed border. Trim excess threads. Apply no-fray glue to raw edges of ribbon and allow to dry. Fill the pockets with candy and small presents to build the anticipation of Christmas day. Tip: This advent calendar can be used in a variety of ways. Tie on new pockets each day to increase the length of the banner or start the month with a full banner and remove the pockets at the end of each day. Since it's a long banner, it's ideal for wrapping around a Christmas tree or draping along a banister.

Want to see more? Below are more easy advent calendar ideas you can make at home before December 1.

Christmas Treats

For this year's Christmas countdown, give your family daily surprises they'll devour. Using a sweet, holiday-inspired fabric, create miniature sacks to fill with delicious treats. After filling, add a corresponding countdown number, tie twine around the top to seal the sack and hang from the tree. Each day will leave everyone waiting in anticipation for another scrumptious Christmas treat.

Ornamental Additions

This advent calendar idea is simple and perfect for last-minute crafters. Melaine Thompson of My Sweet Savannah stenciled 24 numbers onto manila shipping tags and added glittery adornments. Each day, as Christmas draws closer and closer, the kids take off an ornament and place it on the tree.

Repurposed Holidays

Share My Craft user Cathe Holden reused vintage thread spools to create a one-of-a-kind holiday advent calendar in her home. On each spool she added a numbered wrap with a special note or a clue to a hidden gift. Cathe, a passionate crafter and designer, displayed her Christmas countdown on a vintage, modified spool holder. Cathe also suggests creating individual, numbered spool ornaments for the tree, or stringing the entire set together to create an advent calendar garland.

Countdown for the Kids

This traditional, felt advent calendar is the perfect addition to a child's bedroom door over the holidays. By using simple and inexpensive materials, each child can have a calendar of their own. Try to create different holiday-inspired shapes to form the background — a classic Christmas tree, snowflake, mitten or Santa Claus hat.

Share your Advent Calendar ideas...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Friends,

All of us at Interior Design would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the timeless treasures of the season; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

How Many Ornaments Do You Need For Your Tree?

Courtesy of Christmas Lights, etc.
By Kristie Nelson

Happy Holidays Friends,

How many ornaments do you need to hang on your Christmas tree? That's a great question! Ultimately the number of ornaments and decorations you will need to cover your tree will come down to tree height, size of ornaments, how much of the tree you want to cover and of course, personal preference. If this is your first tree or you're aiming to create an awe inspiring spectacle, we've created this page to provide information to make purchasing ornaments easier while also providing inspiration for your Christmas tree design.

Suggested Ornament Number and Size

The number of ornaments you choose to hang on your tree is ultimately based on personal preference and there is no exact calculation. However, using our chart can be a helpful starting point when purchasing ornaments to ensure even coverage based on your tree height. We suggest purchasing an extra box or set of ornaments in each color you choose to help ensure you have a few replacements on hand should any of your ornaments become lost or broken.

Mix and Match Ornament Sizes

Mixing and matching ornaments sizes is a great way to add variety and depth to your Christmas tree design. When decorating your tree, add large or heavy ornaments to the interior of the tree where branches are thickest to protect them and add depth. Smaller ornaments work best on the tips of branches. Fill gaps in the tree with varying ornament sizes and decorations and try to keep things even. It helps to take a step back and view your progress to ensure even coverage!

If you have multiple trees in your home, consider decorating in different themes. Even if you stick to one theme, you can still use a variety in size and types of ornaments. Some popular themes are:

• Red, green and silver
• Blue, white and silver
• Silver and gold
• Purple and gold
• Natural browns, golds, greens. Add in some birds and bears!
• Consider a fun separate DIY or kids tree to showcase handmade ornaments.

Personalizing Ornaments

Glass Christmas ball ornaments on ChristmasLightsEtc.com are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and finishes. You can decorate these ornaments to make Christmas gifts for friends and family. Personalized ornaments are also a great idea if you have a certain specific decorating scheme in mind. Decorate ornaments with paint, glitter, or ribbons and sequins. Clear ornaments can even be filled to create one of a kind designs!

Which Ornaments Look Best on Which Tree

With so many tree styles out there it is important to take your tree profile and construction into consideration when choosing ornaments. Or, if you are planning to purchase a tree, you will want to keep your ornaments and decorative preference in mind when making your selection. Remember that the size of the tree will also play a role in determining how many ornaments you will need.

• If you like a tree full of ornaments, consider the Brighton Fir. Its staggered offshoots to provide lots of hanging space.
• Additional trees that are ideal for hanging larger ornaments include the bark-wrapped Fraser Fir and Canadian Fir trees.
• Trees with pinecone accents like the lifelike Hunter with downswept branches offer rustic appeal. Or choose the Hawthorne Fir with frosted tips, lights and berries.
• If you have heavy ornaments that need sturdy branches or you clip ornaments to the branches, the Sequoia Fir tree is your best pick. The elegant Sequoia Fir has extra durable tip and branch construction while still offering room for hanging.

Dos and Don'ts of Christmas Tree Decorating

• Do place ornaments evenly throughout the tree
• Don't forget the back or the bottom of the tree
• Don't use so many ornaments that tree looks cluttered
• Don't put breakable ornaments at the bottom of tree if you have pets or small children that might pull them off.
• Do add matching ornaments to garland and wreaths to keep your decorating style consistent throughout the room or house
• Don't be afraid to place different sizes of ornaments together on the tree.

Enjoy family and good friends...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Courtesy of Molly Ashton

Hi Friends,

Whether you prefer your stuffing in or out of the bird, this easy recipe is the perfect complement to Thanksgiving's main event.

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, minced
  
• 2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped
  
• 2 tablespoons butter
  
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  
• 2 packages seasoned stuffing mix
  
• hot water
  
• dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

1. Saute onions and celery in butter, sprinkle with poultry seasoning and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Once cool, mix this with dry stuffing mix.
3. Heat broth, then read directions on stuffing mix box and add enough hot water to the broth to make up the amount of liquid required for stuffing mix.
4. Pour liquid over the dry stuffing mixture and fluff with a fork until completely moistened. Mix in a few dried cranberries, if you'd like.

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Veterans Day!

Hi Friends,

Today we celebrate and honor the courageous men and women who have given their lives to protect and preserve the Spirit and Promise of Freedom. For those who are Free will always be grateful to those who helped preserve it. May your home and your heart shine with the warm light of Freedom.

Thank you from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipes

Courtesy of Danny Bonvissuto
Photography by Renee Comet Photography

Hi Friends,

Roasted with pecan-fig butter or served on a gingersnap breadcrumb crust, these sweet potato recipes stand out on any Thanksgiving table.

At Founding Farmers restaurants in the D.C. area, Thanksgiving dinner isn't just about turkey. It's about sautéed green beans with sea salt and candied lemon, pan-roasted Brussels sprouts and these sweet roasted sweet potatoes with a butter made of pecans, figs, dark brown sugar and ginger.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecan-Fig Butter

From The Founding Farmers Cookbook: 100 Recipes for True Food & Drink From the Restaurant Owned By American Family Farmers

Serves 8

4 medium sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 ½ teaspoon Farmers Steak Seasoning

Farmers Steak Seasoning

Makes 3 ½ cups

2 cups kosher salt
½ cup ground black pepper
1 cup granulated garlic
1 tablespoon finely sliced fresh chives

Pecan-fig butter

¾ cup pecan pieces
2 ¼ ounces dried figs, cut into ¼-inch pieces
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon maple syrup
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat the potatoes in canola oil and season all over with the Farmers Steak Seasoning. Roast in the oven until tender, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. (This step can be done ahead of time).

While the potatoes cook, prepare the pecan-fig butter. Combine the pecans, figs, ginger, brown sugar, salt, maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and softened butter and mix until well combined. Set aside.

Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and score the flesh with a paring knife. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and spread 1 ¼ cups of the pecan-fig butter on each pair of potato halves. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the topping is caramelized. Serve 1 potato half per person, garnished with the chives.

"This is a signature fall side dish at Porcao Farm To Grill. It has the feel of the holiday season, but it is definitely not the sweet potato casserole you grew up with. Kids love it!" —Chef Jeff O'Neill, Porcao Farm To Grill, Miami, Florida

Barbecue Sweet Potato Gratin

Yields 8 servings

3 ounces maple syrup
1 ounce soy sauce
1 stick butter
1 ½ tablespoon barbecue spice*
1 sprig rosemary
Pinch salt
8 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into slices 1-inch thick
1 cup gingersnap breadcrumbs*
1 cup baby marshmallows

Gingersnap Breadcrumbs

Yields 3 cups

1 tablespoon brown sugar
Pinch salt
½ pound gingersnap cookies, crushed fine
1 stick melted butter

Combine sugar, salt and crushed gingersnaps in a bowl. Add the melted butter. Mix well until the consistency of wet sand.

Barbecue Spice

Yields ½ cup

¼ cup chili powder
¼ cup sweet paprika
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon ginger, ground
1 teaspoon star anise, ground
1 teaspoon cumin, ground
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne

Combine all ingredients in a dry mixing bowl and mix well.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the maple and soy in a small bowl. Mix well and reserve.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, barbecue spice, rosemary leaves and a good pinch of salt. Microwave for 1 minute until melted. Carefully remove from microwave and mix well with a fork.

Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with the melted spice butter.

Toss well and spread evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 375 until just tender and let cool completely.

In a shallow casserole pan, place a layer of gingersnaps on the bottom, about ¼-inch thick. Press until firm. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, remove and let cool slightly, then fill the casserole with the sweet potato chunks. Drizzle the sweet potatoes generously with the maple and soy mixture and cover with a generous portion of gingersnap breadcrumbs.

Top with the baby marshmallows and bake until marshmallows are golden, approximately 30 minutes.

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Daylight Savings Time Ends!

Hi Friends,

Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks back this weekend...

Check back for great inexpensive decorating ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Thanksgiving InstaRecipes...

Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Master classic Thanksgiving dishes like green bean casserole and pumpkin pie with these easy visual recipes.

Basic Stuffing


Cranberry Sauce


Green Bean Casserole


Baked Mac and Cheese


Mashed Potatoes


Roasted Turkey


Whipped Sweet Potatoes


Flaky Vodka Pie Dough


Pumpkin Pie


Perfect way to delivery these delious recipes, right?

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

FREE Printable Thanksgiving Templates

Courtesy of The TomKat Studio

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

Every dinner guest will be ready to fill up on leftovers when they see your creative Thanksgiving packaging ideas. The printable tags and labels add the perfect touch and coordinate with the rest of the paper designs used at dinner.

Free Printable Thanksgiving Templates

Click Pheasant Place Card/Party Favor


Click Make Your Own Snack Mix Sign


Click Thanksgiving Word Search


Click Thanksgiving Word Scramble


Click "Enjoy" Tags


Click "Happy Thanksgiving" Tags


Click Round Labels


Click Leftovers Label


Click Preprinted Labels


Click Blank Labels


Click Blank Menu


Click Menu Card


Click Dessert Labels


Click Turn Paper Into a Fall Leaf Centerpiece


Click "Welcome" Banner


Click "Give Thanks" Banner


Click "Family" Banner


Click Fall Leaf Place Card and
Click Attached "Happy Thanksgiving" Banner


Click Blank Invite


Click Four Place Card Designs


Click Printable Invite


Click Sunflower Invite


Click Small Menu Card


Click Place Card


Click "Enjoy" Tags


Click "Happy Thanksgiving" "Family" and "Give Thanks" Tags


Click "Thank You" Favor Tags


These printable Thanksgiving invitations, place cards, menu labels, kids' crafts and favor tags will add the finishing touch to Creative Packaging and your fall festivities...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne